Month: November 2018

Analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® has confirmed that JT customers enjoy the fastest mobile network and data speeds in both Guernsey and Jersey.

Results from all mobile networks in the Channel Islands were analysed by Ookla, the global leader in fixed broadband and mobile network testing applications, data and analysis between April and September this year.

Those tests, which are carried out by islanders themselves, confirm that JT has the fastest mobile networks.

Ookla’s results are also widely trusted by regulators, trade groups and analysts. Hence, they are used by virtually every major mobile carrier and internet service provider in the world. Everyday ten million tests are actively initiated. With over 20 billion completed to date.

JT’s Networks are the quickest

Daragh McDermott JT, said: “Our customers regularly tell us that they enjoy the speed of our 4G networks in Jersey and Guernsey. So, these test results from Ookla provide the research data to confirm their feedback. JT’s networks are the quickest.

“We’re really pleased to have that confirmed, for the third year running, by Ookla. It’s clearly good news for our customers, and testament to the hard work of JT’s engineering teams. They are responsible for building and maintaining the best possible mobile networks.

“So, we see it as our responsibility to deliver the best connectivity that we can for Channel Islanders. We have demonstrated that through our fibre broadband networks, our 4G networks. Also with the announcement that we will install 5G (subject to the necessary radio spectrum being allocated) in 2019.

“Our aim is to make the islands one of the best-connected places in the world. Therefore, this recognition from Ookla confirms that work is paying off.”

“With millions of tests taken using Speedtest every day, Ookla has developed a comprehensive view of worldwide internet performance. So it is our pleasure to recognize JT as the Fastest Mobile Network in Guernsey & Jersey based on our rigorous analysis. Consequently, this award is a testament to JT’s exceptional performance, as experienced by JT’s customers, in Q2 and Q3”. Jamie Steven, Executive Vice President at Ookla.

Just 4 years on from the successful deployment of its 4G network JT is again partnering with ZTE to create a new 5G mobile network for our Islands. The deal was signed on Tuesday in Shenzhen, China, during an official Jersey trade delegation to further develop the Islands’ business links with Asia.

Now contracts are signed, JT will begin work with ZTE on this new network. Aiming to launch a test service during 2019, subject to CICRA licensing spectrum. Whilst the 5G standard is not complete yet, JT aims to roll out incremental improvements as standards solidify and expects to offer a Channel Island wide service by 2021.

5G enables download speeds up to 10x faster than today’s speeds, together with the ability to connect many more devices. In time it will play a key part in supporting our Islands’ role as an Internet of Things ‘Digital Sandbox’. JT forecast that, in addition to thousands of IoT devices, by 2023 10% of Islanders will have 5G enabled devices.

The Best 5G Service in the World

Graeme Millar, JT CEO said: “Our goal is to build the best networks we possibly can for islanders to enjoy. We aspire to build on our island’s world beating fibre network and now offer Channel Islanders the best 5G service in the world. Our role is to support our customers, providing them the technology to do whatever they want. By building these information super highways we make this possible.

ZTE are the ideal partner, who’ve supported us already with our 4G network. We know customers appreciate its speed and quality. Indeed, our ZTE 4G network has been ranked as the fastest in the CI by global assessor Ookla for the last three years running. We expect more of the same from our Islands’ new 5G network.

We’re committed to ensuring customers continue to enjoy the best connectivity in the world by both wire and air. The journey moving from 4G to 5G will be similar to the revolution from copper to fibre. Whilst it will be a complex project involving the complete upgrade of our mobile network, new customer handsets and other changes, we believe we are ideally placed to help our customers experience the benefits this technology offers.

It was an honour to sign this deal during a formal trade delegation visit to China. We were also able to support Jersey in developing business in Asia. So, I am proud to give voice to our Islands on the world stage. Therefore, we firmly believe the Channel Islands can hold their own in terms of connectivity against any country in the world. Thank you to Channel Islanders for supporting the development of our advanced networks and services.”

Kenneth Cao, Managing Director ZTE UK commented: “This is a key milestone for both ZTE and JT to start the journey of 5G. 5G is an enabler for technology innovation and digital transformation. At ZTE we aim to be a world leader in 5G solution development. Through our 4G partnership, ZTE are determined to provide the best possible 5G solution and service to the Channel Islands. ‘

The first JT-sponsored Institute of Directors Winter Seminar of the series is set to provide a fascinating insight into the benefits and risks of new technology. Particularly in relation to the advancement of boards. The seminar, titled The Shape of Things to Come will be held at the Old Government House on Friday 16 November at 12.15 pm.

Innovations to the Marketplace

Iain Beresford, organiser of the JT-sponsored Winter Seminar series, said: “There’s no doubt that innovation and technological disruption is affecting every business, every industry and every economy. This includes Guernsey. It can be a powerful and opportunist force for driving business and economic growth and performance. But it also presents significant risks to some companies.

“So, there is no question that, by their very nature, technological disruption and innovation provide significant challenges to regulators and policymakers. However, they can they also create an environment to cultivate and promote innovation, and potentially deliver innovations to the marketplace. This in a way in which they could not have developed on their own? Hence, in this seminar we’ll be looking to explore these ideas and understand their implications.

Tamara O’Brien, Deputy Managing Director of JT Guernsey, said: “We’re really pleased to continue our long-standing support of these topical lunchtime events in partnership with the IoD. As an enabler of new technology ourselves, through our mobile and broadband networks, we’re very aware of the benefits. But also aware of the challenges that innovation brings. So, one of the best ways to manage disruption is to discuss it openly and honestly. Therefore, these important seminars allow our business community to do. It promises to be a fascinating event with debate stimulated from an informed expert panel.”